Camping carers on This Morning explain why they couldn't leave elderly residents during pandemic

This Morning hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes spoke to three brave carers who are camping outside their care home during the coronavirus crisis.

Claire, Holly and Joel appeared via video link from their camping spot in the Isle of Wight, where nine of the team members have left behind their families to move into the care home so they can look after residents without potentially infecting them.

Victoria House cares for 20 residents, and there are 31 members of staff in total, but the nine chosen to camp out were picked based on their familial commitments.

Holly and Joel explained that when boss Claire asked them if they would be happy to camp, they said yes right away because they care so deeply for the residents.

Joel, Claire and Holly said it was a no-brainer to camp at the property so they would not infect residents (ITV)

And the feeling is mutual, as Claire revealed the residents have come to check out their new living quarters and have been concerned about their carers, making sure they had enough food and warmth.

Ruth asked Joel if his parents were worried about him camping out, and he said that they were, but their overriding feeling was one of pride.

Holly added it was a no-brainer to live on site, because "the residents are so important".

"Lots of blankets and hot water bottles makes it just about bearable, and a big mug of coffee in the morning is essential," she added.

Nine carers are camping out every night with the aid of blankets and hot water bottles (ITV)

Meanwhile, Claire sleeps in the boiler room where she has the opposite problem, and it is so hot she sleeps with a fan blowing on her face.

Eamonn asked the trio if they ever felt undervalued as carers, and Claire said she did feel that it's an undervalued occupation, compared to jobs such as doctors.

"Our job is incredibly challenging, and I hope that care gets the recognition it deserves," she said.]

Ruth then gave the trio a touching piece of news, that supermarket Iceland are sending them a food shop worth £250, and they will give them free food deliveries thereafter whenever they needed them, despite the fact that they don't usually deliver to the Isle Of Wight.

Claire, Holly and Joel were incredibly grateful for this kind gesture.

*This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am